Hama Rikyu Garden Reviews (Tokyo, Japan)

A Quiet Place for Tea

Atlanta, Georgia

September 16, 2009

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A short walk from Tsukiji Fish Market is the Hama Rikyu Garden. After almost being run over by the speeding carts in the market, getting jostled while going down aisles full of people, being overwhelmed by frenetic energy, I wanted a moment to ...Read more

From journal Terrific Tokyo

Hama Rikyu Garden

by AgedToPerfection

Irvine, California

October 27, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo After an eventful morning at the Tsukiji Fish Market, we scouted out places to visit within walking distance. The Hama Rikyu Gardens nearby was the dock where we could catch a ferry to Asakusa. We had some time to kill before the ferry departed so ...Read more After an eventful morning at the Tsukiji Fish Market, we scouted out places to visit within walking distance. The Hama Rikyu Gardens nearby was the dock where we could catch a ferry to Asakusa. We had some time to kill before the ferry departed so we decided to explore the gardens as an afterthought. For ¥300 per person, we purchased tickets and entered the complex.

I am ever glad we did. The Hama Rikyu Gardens serves as a respite from the crowds, the noise and the frenetic pace of Tokyo life. It might have been because we visited at around 9am in the middle of the week but the gardens had very few visitors that morning, a benefit to us. While we did not find a traditional old Japanese neighborhood, the gardens preserved a piece of Japanese culture, representing a slower time where pristine gardens and revered traditions such as the tea ceremony took precedence.

We strolled the gardens and first found a shallow duck pond which turned out to be the hunting grounds of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Sadly, many a duck found its fate here and in attempt for atonement, the guilty hunters erected a stone memorial for their quarry.

As we wandered the gardens, we noticed that above the treetops peered Tokyo skyscrapers. Cranes towered overhead as they built even more looming edifices. “Don’t look up,” I thought. The stark contrast between modernity and tranquility was too much for me to process.

We found the Nakashima tea house which seemed to float on a saltwater pond. After we crossed an arched bridge, we plodded along wooden walkways until we reached the tea house. For approximately US$5, one could have traditional Japanese tea in this serene setting.

After tea, we continued to explore the seemingly never-ending gardens. As we stumbled upon a vegetable garden, I realized that my leg sported the biggest mosquito bite I had received in years. Note to visitors, spray yourself with some form of mosquito repellent or suffer my fate. My vacation, up to that point, had been unencumbered from bug bites. After this point, I walked with a lurch because every few feet, I leaned over to scratch. Another note, the best bug bite cream in the world is Anthisan. Not found in the US, get someone to travel to Hong Kong for you as it only costs HK$20, or US$1.60. Of course, you can always order online.

Before long, the ferry arrived and we had to leave. “We need to come back here and explore some more,” my husband commented as we boarded the boat, proving that some of the best vacation memories happen as a result of having to kill time. Close

From journal So, What Else is in Tokyo Besides Disneyland?

Hama Rikyu Garden

by Seaotter71

Monterey, California

May 20, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo The Hama Rikyu Gardens are right smack in the middle of the beaten path. However, we went at opening after visiting the nearby Tsukiji Fish Market and had the place mostly to ourselves.In the 17th century, the gardens originally served as a retreat ...Read more

From journal Tokyo and Tokyo Disneyland Resort Highlight

Hama-rikyu Gardens

by becks

Mexico City, Mexico

December 16, 2001

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Best of IgoUgo This is probably the best gardens in central Tokyo and it is well worth spending an hour or two here. It is located next to the Tsukiji Fish Market and within walking distance from Shinbashi Station (Ginza subway line and JR Yamanote line). Entrance ...Read more

From journal Parks and Gardens in Central Tokyo

Hamarikyu-Teien Garden

by mitchww@me.com

Chicago, Illinois

September 10, 2000

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Beautiful garden and park in the ancient Japanese style. A surprising oasis in the midst of central Tokyo's clamor. Provides decent views of the bay. Bonsai trees and teahouses (visited by President Ulysses S. Grant). Ponds are fed by the nearby ...Read more

From journal Tokyo river trip and secret garden

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